Pre-ordered copies of Smash Bros on the Wii U via the eShop start downloading immediately...presumably allowing players to skip a midnight launch experience held off by a long lasting download status bar.

I am downloading the entire 15gb digital game right now onto my flash drive I set aside specifically for the Wii U. Naturally, Nintendo will keep me locked out of the game until midnight, November 21st, but it is still something to consider for those of you who want the game ready to go exactly at midnight.

Also, Smash Bros is the last major release by Nintendo that will still earn Nintendo Digital Deluxe credit. So, if you are looking for a last hoorah that will earn you a $5 gift card, the eShop may be the way to go.

EDIT: Nintendo may actually be stalling the download because I am stuck at 0% completion (with only 117 MB completed) with "99 hr. 59 min." to go.

Mine's coming snailmail... or carrier pigeon... or however Toys R Us ships things. I was close to going digital here to have it on release... but since I had almost talked myself into waiting for Christmas, I easily convinced myself instead to wait just a few days for a free amiibo.

See you on the battlefield once that infernal plastic wrap is dispatched!